Trail conditions

Banff National Park

Important information

Be extra cautious when engaging in any activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.

CAUTION! Avalanche danger

You are responsible for your own safety. Check the Avalanche Bulletin for the latest conditions.

Banff Legacy Trail

ATTENTION: The Banff Legacy Trail between the east Park boundary and Cascade Pond underpass 
connector trail is closed. 

For more details, click here. 

Vehicle parking is limited to designated areas only. Roadside parking is prohibited. Signage and monitoring will be used throughout the park to inform the public of parking restrictions and encourage compliance.


Dogs are not allowed on some of the groomed ski trails. Refer to the information below for restrictions. Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times.

 

Wildlife and you

Although bears are denning during the winter, they can awaken at any time for short periods. Cougars, wolves and other wildlife remain active throughout the year. Travel in groups, make noise, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Know before you go!

Closures and restrictions

For a complete list of ongoing closures and restrictions, please visit our Important Bulletins page.

For more information, please contact us:

 Banff: 403-762-1550

 Lake Louise: 403-522-3833

Share your trail pictures

Have you been hiking in the last few days? Share a few pictures with us as well as your impressions. This will help us keep this report accurate for other hikers.

 Banff Visitor Centre

 Lake Louise Visitor Centre

Banff Area Cross-Country Ski Trails

Tracksetting is finished for the season.

Banff Area Winter Walking Trails

Banff Area Snowshoeing Trails

Banff Area Fat Biking Trails

Bow Valley Parkway Cross-Country Ski Trails

Lake Louise Area Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Trails

Winter conditions. Avalanche risk! When travelling beyond the marked trails, or past an avalanche danger sign, assume that you are in avalanche country - your group should be prepared with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment. For more information on winter travel and how to stay safe in the mountains, visit Parks Canada - Mountain Safety - Winter Activities.

Lake Louise Area Cross-Country Ski Trails

*Tracksetting has ended for the season* Recent tracksetting: Apr 14 - Moraine Lake Road (groomed only); Apr 1 - Upper Tramline; Lower Tramline; Bow River Loop; Campground Loop. Mar 31 - Pipestone; Hector; Drummond; Merlin; Moraine Lake road.

Bow Summit Area on Icefields Parkway

Winter conditions. Avalanche risk! When travelling beyond the marked trails, or past an avalanche danger sign, assume that you are in avalanche country - your group should be prepared with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment. For more information on winter travel and how to stay safe in the mountains, visit parksmountainsafety.ca

Redearth Creek

Public safety is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. While previously classified as Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) Class 1, significant avalanche events across the Redearth Creek in recent years have resulted in a reclassification of the trail to ATES Class 2. As a result of this reclassification, Parks Canada has suspended track setting of the Redearth Creek.

Parks Canada policy states that track setting for cross-country ski trails in the Mountain Parks may only be undertaken on trails that are not exposed to any avalanche terrain or have an Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) rating of Class 1. While grooming of the trail has been suspended as a result of this change in classification, it does not close the trail, nor restrict access to the Shadow Lake Lodge.

Those choosing to travel through the area are encouraged to be their own safety monitor. Learn more about mountain safety in Banff National Park.

Related links

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